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Bj7 starting issue

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Sprocket

Sprocket

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I have a BJ7 with 64k on it. One family owned so I'm very familiar with history of the car. Dad sold it to me about 15 years ago and until recently the starter has been perfect. A few months ago I noticed that when I go to start, I press the button and it old just go bonk. Like the starter was engaging but not enough umph to turn the motor over. As I don't drive daily, I assumed it to be a low charge. I would release and press again and sometimes it'd crank and fire up. If not I would put it on the charger and come back the next day and it would crank. Recently it did and after leaving it on the charger it still wouldn't start. As the battery was 5 years old, I pulled it and replaced as I jumpaed it from my other car and it started right up.

Only thing is now a new.battery and it still doesn't crank with any vigor if at all.

Could it just be the brushes are worn out and I can rebuild it?

Any other clues?

Thanks
 
I'd first figure out why it cranked fine with a jump, but not with a new battery. No ideas, but if you can jump start it easily it's not the starter. In my (admittedly limited) experience with starters the brushes should be good for more than 64K miles, and AFAIK they don't deteriorate from non-use. Almost sounds like resistance in the battery cables.
 
I've had similar issues. I would recommend removing and cleaning the battery cable ends, both where they attach to the battery and the other ends at the starter and the shut off switch. After cleaning, reassemble and tighten. On my car, the cable connection on the starter was both dirty and a bit loose.
 
I have also experienced the starter push button internal contacts having corrosion and will produce an intermittent no start. It may just seem like the jump starting is helping.
 
British_Recovery said:
Just a reminder - start the car in neutral with your foot off the clutch.
Click to expand...

Interesting. Wouldn't there be more load on the starter if the clutch is engaged? (and thus the starter is cranking more than just the engine?)

Thanks.
Tom
 
NutmegCT said:
Interesting. Wouldn't there be more load on the starter if the clutch is engaged? (and thus the starter is cranking more than just the engine?)

Thanks.
Tom
Click to expand...

With the car running in neutral, push in the clutch pedal. You'll likely see a noticeable RPM drop, 50rpm or more. To me, this indicates there's more load with the pedal in--clutch disengaged--than with the clutch engaged. The reason is the drag from the thrust washers against the crank.
 
Bob_Spidell said:
With the car running in neutral, push in the clutch pedal. You'll likely see a noticeable RPM drop, 50rpm or more. To me, this indicates there's more load with the pedal in--clutch disengaged--than with the clutch engaged. The reason is the drag from the thrust washers against the crank.
Click to expand...

Wow - I've noticed the drop before, but I'd never made the connection. Thanks Bob.
Tom
 
Failed to mention that some--maybe most--of the RPM drop may be due to friction between the throwout 'bearing' and the clutch. There are some aftermarket throwout bearings with actual bearings; I'd be interested to see if this mod helps eliminate the RPM drop when the clutch is disengaged (and 'engaged' with the carbon throwout).
 
British_Recovery said:
Just a reminder - start the car in neutral with your foot off the clutch.
Click to expand...

I was trying to start with the clutch pressed. The battery cables are clean and original with the screw holes in the top. In the past I have had the screw loosen and had a loose contact but I'm sure they are tight. Here's hoping its the ctuctch pedal....will report thank later this weekend when I get a chance to play with it.

Thanks for the quick repi
lies.
 
Also check the battery cut-off switch. Having a high resistance in that switch used to cause the same problem for me. Bypass the switch and run directly to ground with the battery cable and see if that helps. Remember to turn the switch on as it also sorts out the coil when off.
 
Take the cable off from the starter to the solenoid and check for corrosion. You can usually see it from the ends and by twisting the cable and "hearing it" crunching. It's a common malady on cars not driven much.
 
John Turney said:
Also check the battery cut-off switch. Having a high resistance in that switch used to cause the same problem for me. Bypass the switch and run directly to ground with the battery cable and see if that helps. Remember to turn the switch on as it also sorts out the coil when off.
Click to expand...

Well I got in the car after work tonight and turned the key. No power (light in gauge dark)..hmmmmm. First thought was that I turned the battery switch off but I usually don't as there is no drain on the battery. On purpose, left the key in the on position and opened the trunk. Battery switch was on and as soon as I touched the knob, the fuel pump started. Ah Ha! Turned it off and back on, then got in the car a put it in neutral and pushed the button. Turned over with the vigor of a fresh battery I put in :smile:. So it looks like a double whammy. I was depressing the clutch and the battery switch is going flaky.

Just got my new front shocks from World Wide :smile: but I'm leaving for Daytona in the morning for the Spring Turkey Run. Showing my 1991 Olds Custom Cruiser Station Wagon. Back Sunday afternoon then I have all week to get ready to take the Healey to https://wheelsacrossthepond.com Easter Saturday! Busy car schedule this March!

Thanks for the help guys! I love car forums (member of a few others as well).
 
Sprocket said:
Well I got in the car after work tonight and turned the key. No power (light in gauge dark)..hmmmmm. First thought was that I turned the battery switch off but I usually don't as there is no drain on the battery. On purpose, left the key in the on position and opened the trunk. Battery switch was on and as soon as I touched the knob, the fuel pump started. Ah Ha! Turned it off and back on, then got in the car a put it in neutral and pushed the button. Turned over with the vigor of a fresh battery I put in :smile:. So it looks like a double whammy. I was depressing the clutch and the battery switch is going flaky.

Just got my new front shocks from World Wide :smile: but I'm leaving for Daytona in the morning for the Spring Turkey Run. Showing my 1991 Olds Custom Cruiser Station Wagon. Back Sunday afternoon then I have all week to get ready to take the Healey to https://wheelsacrossthepond.com Easter Saturday! Busy car schedule this March!

Thanks for the help guys! I love car forums (member of a few others as well).
Click to expand...
BCS sells a rebuild kit for the switch.
 
Well, I've driven the car for the past week about 4 times, with NO starting issues. I think it just felt neglected. Took it to Wheels across the Pond, will post some Healey pics into a different thread. Everything is reliable as usual. THanks for all the advice/help.
 
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